Free trial
A free tier is available permanently and does not require a card, so the core transcription workflow can be tested before paying for Pro.
Learn moreMacWhisper
Local Mac transcription for files, meetings and dictation
Beginner API
What is MacWhisper?
MacWhisper is an AI transcriber tool. A Mac-only transcription app that runs Whisper and other speech models locally, covering file imports, meeting recording, dictation, subtitles and AI summaries with a free tier and a one-time Pro license.
MacWhisper is a native Mac application for turning speech into text without sending audio off your machine. It handles a wide range of inputs: dropping in an audio or video file, pointing it at a YouTube or media URL, capturing audio from any app, or letting it record a meeting in the background. The heavy lifting is done by local AI models (Whisper, Parakeet and others), so private recordings, client calls and confidential voice memos stay on the Mac. In daily use it behaves like a transcription workbench rather than a single-purpose converter. Drag a file in and you get a transcript with speaker labels, filler words stripped out, and a built-in editor for corrections and formatting. Transcripts can be searched, highlighted and copied in pieces, then exported as subtitles, plain text or documents. Batch processing and watched folders suit people working through large archives, and a system wide dictation mode lets you speak into any app instead of typing. On top of transcription, MacWhisper adds an AI layer. Summaries, chat over a transcript and custom prompts can run through remote providers using your own API keys, or through local models, and finished transcripts can be pushed automatically to note tools and automation platforms. That combination makes it a plausible replacement for subscription transcription services for Mac users who want a one-time purchase and control over where their data and API spend go. The audience spans journalists, researchers, students, podcasters, lawyers and anyone who records a lot of speech. People who need a browser based service on Windows or a shared team workspace will find it is Mac only, and the free tier is deliberately narrow.
How do you use MacWhisper?
1Download and install MacWhisper
Grab the free build through the download link on the site. Purchases and downloads are routed through Gumroad, so only install from the link you receive after confirming the download.2Run your first transcription
Drag an audio or video file onto the app window. The transcript appears once the local model finishes processing, and unsupported formats are rejected before anything is uploaded.3Clean up speakers and text
Open the transcript in the editor to label speakers, fix misheard words and strip filler words. Search the transcript to jump to specific phrases.4Export in the right format
Choose an export target: subtitles for video work, or a document format for notes and reports. Free users get a narrower set of export options than Pro.5Record a meeting or dictate anywhere
Let the app detect a Zoom, Teams or Discord call and record it in the background, or enable system wide dictation to speak into other applications.6Connect AI providers and automation
Add your own API keys for providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic or Google, or point the app at local models. Finished transcripts can then be sent to note tools or automation endpoints.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Local model processing keeps sensitive recordings on the MacAI
- Free tier covers core transcription, so the basics cost nothingAI
- Pro is a one-time license with lifetime updates rather than a subscriptionAI
- Handles files, YouTube and media URLs, app audio, meetings and system wide dictation in one appAI
- Speaker recognition, filler word cleanup and subtitle export are built in, not bolted onAI
Cons
- Mac only, so Windows and Linux users are excluded entirelyAI
- The free version is limited: batch transcription, translation, extra export formats and improved dictation sit behind ProAI
- Bring your own API key for cloud AI features, which shifts setup and billing onto the userAI
- Meeting recording depends on the app detecting and capturing system audio, which can be unreliable in unusual call setupsAI
How much does MacWhisper cost?
Pricing
Two tiers. The Free version is free forever and includes core transcription, recording, 100 language support and subtitle export. Pro is a one-time 64 euro license per user that adds batch transcription, translation, more export formats, richer dictation and automation features, with lifetime updates included.
Learn moreSupport
Support runs through a contact email address, with documentation hosted on a separate help site and a set of FAQ topics covering system requirements, licensing, privacy, refunds and the App Store build.
Integrations
Connect your own keys for OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, xAI, Groq, Deepseek, Azure, OpenRouter, ElevenLabs, Deepgram and Gladia, or run local models via Ollama and LM Studio. Transcripts can be sent to Notion, Obsidian, Zapier, Make.com, n8n or a custom webhook, and a CLI allows scripted control.
Features
Transcription from files, URLs and app audio, meeting recording with automatic start detection, speaker recognition, filler word cleanup, a transcript editor and search, subtitle generation, batch processing, watched folders, system wide dictation, translation, and an AI layer for summaries, chat and custom prompts using cloud or local models.
Frequently asked questions about MacWhisper
How much does MacWhisper cost?
Two tiers. The Free version is free forever and includes core transcription, recording, 100 language support and subtitle export. Pro is a one-time 64 euro license per user that adds batch transcription, translation, more export formats, richer dictation and automation features, with lifetime updates included.Does MacWhisper offer a free trial?
A free tier is available permanently and does not require a card, so the core transcription workflow can be tested before paying for Pro.Does MacWhisper have an API?
Yes, MacWhisper offers an API.How do you use MacWhisper?
The walkthrough on this page covers 6 steps: 1. Download and install MacWhisper 2. Run your first transcription 3. Clean up speakers and text 4. Export in the right format 5. Record a meeting or dictate anywhere 6. Connect AI providers and automation.What platforms does MacWhisper support?
MacWhisper is available on MacOS.What does MacWhisper integrate with?
Connect your own keys for OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, xAI, Groq, Deepseek, Azure, OpenRouter, ElevenLabs, Deepgram and Gladia, or run local models via Ollama and LM Studio. Transcripts can be sent to Notion, Obsidian, Zapier, Make.com, n8n or a custom webhook, and a CLI allows scripted control.
Status
StatusActive
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Added10/21/2026
Platforms
MacOS
Pricing
FreePaid
